The time-honored tradition of “Shop With Our Cops” will return on Tuesday, Dec. 19th to place smiles upon the faces of Benton children. Officers from the Benton Police Department will join other local police agencies about 6 p.m. at Walmart in Benton to help children participate in a shopping trip, which will ensure the they will have gifts for themselves and to give their family this Christmas.
The tradition of officers assisting children in this shopping spree began in 1998 by the Saline County Chaplains Association in conjunction with local law enforcement agencies. It was designed to help provide gifts to children who otherwise would not have any gifts for Christmas, and allows the children to purchase gifts for their family or friends in need.
The participating children are selected, based on individual need, through a process utilizing school counselors in the area. Donations from local individuals and area organizations funds the annual event.
For more information or to donate to “Shop With Our Cops” contact Chaplain Tamera Gore at chaptgore@hotmail.com.